Staff photo by Cathy CramerA candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night in Bridgeton in memory of Destiny Smith, who perished in a fire here early Monday.

BRIDGETON — With the sun nearly set, candles provided the light that was the life of 13-year-old Destiny Smith. And so did a hundred people singing “This Little Light of Mine” — a special request made by mom.

Tuesday evening’s emotional candlelight vigil for the teen, who perished in an early morning Church Street house fire on Monday, drew friends, family, neighbors and city officials.

“She just had a very, very loving disposition,” Hopewell Church of God Pastor Aaron Parish said of the Quinton Township resident. She had attended school here until 5th grade and was a member of Parish’s church.

“Destiny was a very friendly, loving and outgoing person. She would always embrace me with a hug and say ‘Hi, pastor’,” he added. “She is definitely going to be missed.”

Mother, Davita Smith-Coley, and step-father, Rhudolph Coley, arrived at the corner of Church and Elmer streets to the open arms of at least 100 people. Those open arms were later linked as all in attendance joined in prayer.

“I just want to thank all of you for coming out and remembering my baby. We don’t understand why it happened. I ask God every minute,” Smith-Coley said. “All I know is God got another princess. It’s hard, but we’re gonna get through it.”

She came clutching her daughter’s favorite stuffed bear — a blue Cookie Monster.

Despite the huge crowd, it was quiet at the scene of the fire. Some stopped to look at a

Photo special to The NewsDestiny Smith, left, with her mother, Davita Smith-Coley, in a photo taken this Easter Sunday.

memorial of balloons, flowers and messages affixed to a nearby telephone pole. Others contributed to the monument and dozens of candles were sitting at the base of the pole by nightfall.

A group of Quinton Township Elementary School students were among the first to arrive at the vigil. Smith, who was in 7th grade classes with the kids, was a funny friend and outstanding basketball player, her classmates said.

Kayla DeMaris, Josh Welch, Dejarae Lindsey and Sherris Moyer will be headed back to school today following their spring break. The group said they hope to have a fire safety lesson held at their school or memorial service outside of school.

“We want something done in her honor,” said Lindsey.

Police have said the fire, which broke out around 3:15 a.m. Monday, had totally engulfed the house upon arrival. Rescue workers were unable to enter the home despite repeated attempts. The remains were discovered just over four hours later when investigators were finally able to enter the house. Smith was staying there overnight with a 13-year-old friend.

Also at the house at the time of the fire were Smith’s friend’s 44-year-old step-father, 36-year-old mother and a 12-year-old boy — all of whom escaped the blaze but not without injury.

Police confirmed that the fire appeared to have begun near the front of the house or the porch, though there was no evidence to support arson.

Bridgeton Fire Department Chief Dave Schoch said Tuesday that a cause of the fire had not yet been determined. The building itself had to be brought down due to safety concerns, Mayor Albert Kelly said late Monday.

“We’re not saying anything about that yet. It’s still being investigated,” Bridgeton police Chief Mark Ott said Tuesday of a cause, adding that the investigation could take some time.

When asked if he knew where Smith was sleeping or where she was found, Schoch said investigators still needed to speak with the step-father before they could provide such information.

Authorities have been unable to speak with the step-father, who was transported to Crozer-Chester Medical Center. He remained in critical but stable condition as of Tuesday.A memorial trust fund has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, with the excess going to the family. Donations to the Destiny Smith Memorial Fund can be made at any Susquehanna Bank location, care of Davita Smith-Coley and Rhudolph Coley.